Obituary of Dulcie Spice

December 6, 1928 - Winnipeg, Manitoba

January 19, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Dulcie Spice passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 19, 2023, after a long life of joy and love for her family. 

Dulcie was born in Winnipeg, MB on December 6, 1928, and was raised alongside older sister, Betty.  Although her father died when Dulcie was six years old, she remembered a childhood of love and support as her mother raised the girls to be fine young ladies.  Dulcie went on to study nursing at Winnipeg General Hospital and maintained friendships with her nursing classmates throughout her life.  She nursed through the great Winnipeg flood of 1950 and remembers being rescued by boat from the hospital as the waters rose. 

In 1951, Dulcie met her future husband, Norm, at the wedding of their best friends, Art and Vivi-Ann Meyer.  Norm and Dulcie were married in 1952 and went on to raise their children in Saskatoon, Edmonton, and Calgary.  They devoted their lives to their family and Dulcie was a strong and patient mother who instilled confidence and values into her children.  Dulcie’s extended family meant everything to her. 

After a break from nursing as she raised her children, Dulcie returned to school to take a refresher course in the 70s and worked at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary.  Later, she accompanied Norm to Beijing, China for several years as he took on the role of Alberta Director of the China-Alberta Petroleum Center.  Norm and Dulcie were always up for a challenge in life and Dulcie enjoyed many sports activities including tennis, skiing, and hiking in her beloved Rocky Mountains.

Dulcie was a wonderful cook, loved to entertain, and her children remember family get-togethers, camping trips, ski trips to the mountains and family reunions to celebrate their parents’ many anniversary milestones.  Dulcie was a talented seamstress, knitter, and quilter.  She gave beautiful quilts to all her family and left a legacy of over 200 quilts that will be cherished for years to come. 

Over the years, Dulcie and Norm lived in Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, Beijing, and Nanoose Bay and Craig Bay near Parksville, BC.  They returned to Calgary in 2017. They faithfully maintained connections with several faith communities throughout their lives together:  Ottewell United Church in Edmonton, St. Andrews United Church in Calgary and Knox United Church in Parksville, BC.  Norm and Dulcie had been married for over 68 years when Norm passed away in 2021.  

Dulcie is survived by two daughters, Patricia (David), and Laurie (Cameron); as well as two sons, Brent (Jane) and Ron (Lee); ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her husband, Norm, an infant son, Jimmy, and by her son-in-law, Cameron.  Dulcie will be dearly missed by her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Dulcie’s Life will be held at Fish Creek United Church (77 Deerpoint Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, January 28, 2023, at 2:00 pm.  The service will be live-streamed, and the link will be available at fishcreekunitedchurch.ca. Condolences, memories, and photos can also be shared and viewed here.

The family would like to thank the many people who cared for and supported Dulcie.  Specifically, the staff at Rockyview Emergency Department and Unit 71 and Dr. Jessica Simon and Dr. Jacqueline Hui of the Calgary Palliative and End of Life Care Service.  Also, Dulcie enjoyed her final home at Canyon Meadows Retirement Residence, Calgary, AB, and appreciated the warm and supportive staff there. 

In living memory of Dulcie Spice, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.